Kelly Braaten

The meeting commenced with a work session providing board members an informal discussion opportunity with staff regarding the draft 2026 state legislative guide. Key discussion points included the challenging fiscal environment with projected general fund reductions and the nature of the upcoming short legislative session. The guide outlines guiding principles, engagement framework, and anticipated legislative priorities. Board members discussed legislative update frequency, generally favoring receiving updates at every meeting, particularly due to the fast pace of a short session. The discussion also covered the county's legislative priorities, focusing on supporting the for extension while protecting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs due to potential budget impacts. A review of capital projects was conducted, noting successful grant funding for the Westport Ferry Road project and an earmark for the 911 communication system hardware, while emphasizing the need for further resources for sewer improvements and three critical bridge reconstructions, noting that the legislative session will likely involve more defensive positioning against potential revenue reductions to local governments.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and several items on the Consent Calendar, including funding for Measure 57 Supplemental Fund, the Community Corrections Biennial Plan, and Specialty Court Grants. Commissioner liaison reports covered updates from the Association of Oregon Counties, Clatsop Economic Development Resources, and various transportation and housing authorities. Key business agenda items included authorizing a loan of $100,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for the Westport Sewer project engineering, approving appointments to the Fair Board, appointing members to the Property Value Appeals Board, and recommending a member to the Human Services Advisory Council. A public hearing was held for Ordinance 25-15, which proposes amendments to the Administrative Code to formalize the consolidation into a Health and Human Services Department; the hearing was continued until January 14, 2026.

This combined meeting included a Work Session focusing on the Events and Rolling Calendar, an update on the Strategic Plan progress, discussion of the Budget Calendar timeline adopted by the County Board of Commissioners, and an exploration of forming a Fair Foundation to support fundraising for long-term capital needs. The Regular Meeting covered agenda approval, selection of the Chair (Abigale Goodman) and Vice Chair (Stephanie Pedraza), public comment, and approval of the previous month's minutes (December 9, 2025). Key business agenda items included the proposed adoption of a standalone Event Security Policy to enforce noise restrictions and ensure consistent security staffing, and the approval of updated facility rental fees and policies, primarily clarifying deposit requirements, cancellation terms, and set-up day charges. The Financial Report through November 2025 was also approved.

The meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and a period for public comment, during which no one presented. Key discussions centered on the quarterly update for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 work plan, which was noted as information only. Commissioners inquired about impending legislation affecting land use planning, including amendments related to the 2025 session, the upcoming 2026 session, and state rule changes regarding Goal 5 and cultural resource areas. Updates on Urban Growth Boundary management agreements and cooperative agreements with special districts were also discussed, noting necessary updates due to changes in boundaries and permitting types. The commission provided input on the draft Fiscal Year 2026-2027 land use planning work plan, focusing on simplifying complex permitting processes and modernizing code language, especially concerning commercial and industrial zones. Furthermore, there was a discussion regarding the Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI), which is served by the commission, focusing on improving public involvement as required by Comprehensive Plan Goal 1, considering options like holding town hall style meetings and addressing state modernization efforts for public involvement.

The work session agenda included a review of the current week's agenda and the rolling agenda through March 4th. The primary discussion focused on the County Financial Assistance Agreement (CFAA), noting significant changes made by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to the funding format to allow counties more flexibility, despite initial contention and increased administrative burden. The presentation covered prioritization of severe and persistent mentally ill populations, jail medication assisted treatment, deflection program successes, and new youth substance use disorder services. The board members expressed concerns regarding the administrative burden and the timeline for private providers to obtain Certificates of Approval (COAs) by July 1st, and Commissioner Thompson raised issues regarding Clatsup County's lack of representation on the CCO board. Secondly, the meeting provided an update on the successful opening of the Baker Building, which received its temporary certificate of occupancy, and plans for full lease-up by the end of April. Finally, a video presentation was shown detailing the impact of permanent supportive housing through the Hawkai project in Seaside.